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Tree-removal incident results in fine of $102,000

An employer has been fined $90,000 for breaches of the State OHS Act after a worker was permanently injured in a tree-removal incident. In the process of cutting down the tree, a large branch became stuck and a worker let go of the guide rope on the branch. the branch fell to the ground and lifted another worker off the ground who was attached to the rope. His injuries required the removal of his spleen and part of his pancreas. The Court heard that the employer neglected to properly prepare its workers for the task. There were no tool box meetings prior to starting the task and workers were not shown a job safety analysis or safe work method statement.

The worker who supervised the incident was also charged over the incident and fined $12,000 for failing to take reasonable care for the safety of people who could be affected by his acts or omissions.

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